Summertime includes family and friends enjoying picnics, cookouts, fireworks and fun. Sometimes it also includes drinking which can make its way onto the roadway. During the July 4th weekend in 2013, 512 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes where at least one driver or motorcyclist was drunk. One in five of those drivers had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit.
Tacoma Trauma and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are urging drivers to think ahead and designate a sober driver to get you home safely. Join the Twitter Chat on 7/1 at 12noon PT to spread the word that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving at #BuzzedDriving.
TIPS FOR YOUR SUMMER FUN
- Think ahead and designate a sober driver in advance or arrange for ride-sharing with sober drivers. If you plan to stay sober offer to drive friends home.
- Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages at your parties.
- Keep the phone numbers of local cab companies on hand or use the “SafeRide App from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for your mobile device. It provides a list of available taxi services in your area, or calls a pre-programmed contact for a ride home and shows your location for pick up. Visit www.NHTSA.gov for more information. The app is available for Android devices on Google Play and Apple devices on the iTunes store.
Designate a Sober Driver in Advance
